The Maplewood Civic Association held its annual Christmas display and lighting contest in December, which showcased the creativity and efforts of homeowners.James Cook, vice president of the Maplewood Civic Association, said that the neighborhood was filled with beautiful decorations. Only three winners could be selected, but Cook said that he is thankful for the hard work and efforts of all residents who entered the contest.

Maplewood residents Anthony and Geraldine Palisi earned the honor of first place. They were also the first-place winners in last year’s display and lighting competition. Donald Carmardelle Jr. won second place, and the third-place winner is Janice Fayette.

The winners will be formally recognized and will receive their awards at the Maplewood Civic Association’s board meeting on Jan. 28. The meeting will be held at the Harvey Volunteer Fire Station at 639 Maple Ave.

Cook said that the board is already planning for the 2014 Maplewood Civic Association’s Christmas display and lighting contest.

Woodmere

The Woodmere Civic Association hosted its second annual Christmas brunch for parents and students from Woodmere Elementary School. The event included a visit from Santa Claus as well as gifts for the children.

The Woodmere Civic Association hosted its second annual Christmas brunch featuring food, games, caroling and a visit from Santa Claus on Dec. 14. The event was held for invited parents and students from Woodmere Elementary School. The brunch took place in the cafeteria of the school.

The brunch also included a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” from Woodmere resident Gerald Reason. The students also received Christmas gifts from Santa Claus. Members of the Awesome Ladies of Distinction, a Harvey-based nonprofit organization that provides a variety of mentoring programs for youth, also performed dance routines at the brunch.

Several volunteers and businesses in the Woodmere community contributed to the success of the brunch including Wendy’s, Raising Cane’s, Brother’s, McDonald’s and Lowe’s.

LSU

Several students from Harvey made LSU’s Dean’s List for the 2013 fall semester. The students are: Kevin Bernard Latusek, College of Art and Design; Michael Anthony Alexander Jr., College of Music and Dramatic Arts; Evan Michael Hart, College of Science; Spencer Joseph Hart, College of Science; Chelsea Elizabeth Merricks, Manship School of Mass Communication; Katherine Michelle Silva, Manship School of Mass Communication; Jada Ambreon Davis, University College Center for Freshman Year; Tat Yeung Yau, University College Center for Freshman Year; and Chiamaka Christine Okeke, University College Center for Freshman Year.

Amateur Radio Group

The first session of the Crescent City Amateur Radio Group’s Amateur Radio Technician five-week course will take place at the West Bank Regional Library on Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m. The sessions will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays in January and February. At the end of the five weeks, participants will be tested for their amateur radio operator license. For more information, contact Joe Glorioso at 504.288.7084.

COPD care

A free educational seminar on COPD care will be held at the West Jefferson Physicians Center on Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. The center is located at 3909 Lapalco Blvd. in Harvey. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about all aspects of COPD care. To register, call 504.349.6151.

American Legion

The annual mid-winter conference for the Department of Louisiana American Legion will be held Jan. 17 through Jan. 19. The conference will be held at the Hilton New Orleans Airport hotel, located at 901 Airline Drive in Kenner.

The purpose of the conference is for members of the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion to review new information and benefits that can assist veterans. To get more information about the conference, veterans can call their local American Legion Post. The Harvey/Marrero American Legion Post 222 is located at 4101 Patriot St. in Marrero. The phone number is 504.347.0845.

Shaniece Bickham writes about people and events of community interest in the Harvey area. She can be reached at 504.684.4207 or shani.bick@gmail.com.